FIFA has officially unveiled the schedule and format for the UEFA World Cup qualifying draw, a key step in the lead-up to the expanded 2026 World Cup, set to take place across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
This World Cup will feature a historic expansion to 48 teams, providing UEFA with 16 qualification spots, up from the 13 slots in previous tournaments.
The qualification process has been adjusted to streamline the competition while accommodating the increased number of teams. UEFA's 54 member nations will be organized into 12 groups, with each group consisting of either four or five teams.
Each team will face their group opponents in a round-robin format, playing home-and-away fixtures. Points will be awarded as follows: three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss.
The winners of each of the 12 groups will automatically secure their place at the World Cup. Meanwhile, the second-placed teams will move to a play-off stage. This stage will also include four of the highest-ranked group winners from the UEFA Nations League who have not already qualified or reached the play-offs.
A total of 16 teams will compete in these play-offs to determine the remaining four qualification spots allocated to UEFA.
The timeline for the qualifiers varies based on group size. Teams in groups of five will commence their matches in March 2025, while teams in groups of four will begin in September 2025.
This new structure reflects FIFA's commitment to adapting the qualification process to meet the demands of an expanded tournament while ensuring fair and competitive play.
